Radiation follow up

wbcgaruss
wbcgaruss Member Posts: 2,275 Member
edited December 2019 in Head and Neck Cancer #1

 

Treatment post-operation of the lymph node that was not encapsulated but had gotten outside of the lymph node. They call it Extra-capsular Extension. They removed the lymph node, some muscle, and a jugular vein. It was also on the carotid artery and they were able to peel it off. They are recommending follow up radiation because in this cancer situation there is a risk of it coming back. I had previous radiation in 2013 for throat cancer on that side so they are comparing that plan and the operation and my recent PET scans and coming up with a radiation plan. They are trying to be conservative as to staying away from old radiation and away from the throat, gullet, and spine area and to do so as to not affect my swallowing if possible. This Friday the 13th I was scheduled to have my test run of radiation simulation and start radiation Monday but the radiation office called today and said since they are trying to be more careful in my situation I am being switched to another machine that does more refined radiation and they will need a bit more time to finish the radiation plan. They are going to call me with the new schedule when it is ready. Last time I spoke to the rad doc he estimated about 30 treatments. Take Care-God Bless All

Comments

  • johnsonbl
    johnsonbl Member Posts: 266 Member
    edited December 2019 #2
    Good luck...

    Sounds like they are being very diligent.  Happy holidays!

  • skidog
    skidog Member Posts: 74 Member
    #3
    Proton beam?

    Hi Russ. can you request to look into Proton Beam rads? very targeted...much less structural damage to critical areas around the target. If your insurance doeant cover proton beam...mine didnt either, initially. But we were able to get it covered. maybe worth a look? 

  • wbcgaruss
    wbcgaruss Member Posts: 2,275 Member
    #4
    skidog said:

    Proton beam?

    Hi Russ. can you request to look into Proton Beam rads? very targeted...much less structural damage to critical areas around the target. If your insurance doeant cover proton beam...mine didnt either, initially. But we were able to get it covered. maybe worth a look? 

    They Gave Me the Option

    Of proton beam therapy but I would have to go to Philadelphia and I am not up to the travel.

  • big G
    big G Member Posts: 176 Member
    #5
    wbcgaruss said:

    They Gave Me the Option

    Of proton beam therapy but I would have to go to Philadelphia and I am not up to the travel.

    Rad Plan

    Hi Russ, sounds like they are planning carefully for your treatment. Good to hear from you and praying that all goes well.

  • wbcgaruss
    wbcgaruss Member Posts: 2,275 Member
    #6
    Thanks to Everybody

    And prayers for all here on CSN-Take Care-God Bless

  • Logan51
    Logan51 Member Posts: 464 Member
    #7
    travel distance

    I completely understand and agree with your decision not to go to Philly, Russ, unless you had a place to stay for the course of the Rads. 

    Estimate the Quad Cities has some 320,00 people (really 11 cities on both sides of the river that share borders), and last I heard one would have to make a 60-plus mile drive to the U of Iowa in Iowa City for the Proton- over 120 miles coming and going. And every week day?

    Best wishes for your tx with the different Rad machine, Russ.

  • wbcgaruss
    wbcgaruss Member Posts: 2,275 Member
    #8
    Logan51 said:

    travel distance

    I completely understand and agree with your decision not to go to Philly, Russ, unless you had a place to stay for the course of the Rads. 

    Estimate the Quad Cities has some 320,00 people (really 11 cities on both sides of the river that share borders), and last I heard one would have to make a 60-plus mile drive to the U of Iowa in Iowa City for the Proton- over 120 miles coming and going. And every week day?

    Best wishes for your tx with the different Rad machine, Russ.

    Thanks For

    Your response and "Good Wishes" Dave--Take Care-God Bless

  • Drivingdaisy
    Drivingdaisy Member Posts: 263
    #9
    Russ & new problems

    Oh Russ so sorry for your latest DX.  I really hope they get this right & No damage or scar tissue developmen.  I wish for you the best of luck, good outcome so you can resume living semi-normal life.  What We all deserve.  I will be thinking of you and keep Us all posted on your new journey.  Where is your treatment at?  Photon I hear the greatest, less invasiv, I so wish I had had that option.  Would not be in the situation I am.  Will keep fingers crossed for you.  Big hugs, Lisa

  • Ascender
    Ascender Member Posts: 4
    #10
    wbcgaruss said:

    Thanks For

    Your response and "Good Wishes" Dave--Take Care-God Bless

    Dave mentioned Iowa City -

    Dave mentioned Iowa City - which is where I had my treatment.  If you you live a distance away, there is an ACS Hope Lodge there that you can stay at for free.  They have them scattered throughout the country.

     

    Fantastic place.  There are kitchen & laundry facilities, and each room has 2 beds for the patient & caregiver. Shuttle rides to/from the hospital are also available all day.

     

    The people that run the one in Iowa City are just fantastic.  Definitely worth looking in to if traveling is an issue for ya.  All you need is a doc's referral.

     

    Hang in there -

    Steve

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